Should I Start an Online Business in 2019?

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My answer to this question is a resounding YES! Starting an online business is one of the best things I’ve ever done. Before I get into this post, there is one thing I want to make clear:

Don’t let anyone discourage you from starting an online business.

There are a lot of negative Nancy’s out there that will say that one online business model versus another is no good or that it didn’t work for them so it doesn’t work at all.

Don’t listen. The only way to know if any online business will work for you is by doing it, learning it, and figuring out if it is something that you enjoy and can make money from.

How to Start an Online Business From Home

Online businesses are often low-cost to get started but they more often than not have the potential to earn huge profits. I started my online business with a $12 domain name, a WordPress website, and web hosting. I got started for under $100.

What other business can you start for so little? The same goes for an eCommerce business. Thanks to the dropshipping model, you don’t have to spend a ton of cash on stocking inventory.

It is really quite amazing what people have accomplished with their own online businesses for well under the $200 price range!

There are two online business models that I recommend often on this blog. Primarily because they are both low-cost and low-risk to get started.

The first is starting a niche blog and the second is starting a dropshipping business. They both differ quite a bit in how they are managed but I’ll explain how to start each quickly and easily as well as what you can expect.

What is a Niche Blog and How to Start One?

Managing niche blogs is my primary online business model and I love it. It fits my personality so well. I enjoy writing and it enables me to write on topics that I actually like.

A niche blog is a type of blog that focuses on one specific topic. Examples of niche blogs include:

Parenting (mommy blogs)

Personal finance

Starting online businesses

Weight loss (diets, fitness)

Style (fashion, grooming)

I have even come across niche blogs for camping, lawn care, and more. You can create a niche blog in any niche that you want.

All that is required to get started is your own domain name and either a shared or optimized WordPress web hosting plan.

You can register your domain name with any number of domain registrars online such as NameCheap.com. However, I recommend using HostPapa’s optimized WordPress hosting plan as it includes one year free domain registration and auto-installed WordPress.

They are one of the web hosting services that I use and recommend for those new to blogging as they install WordPress for you. They have 24/7 customer support and offer a free 30-minute one-on-one training session for new customers.

How to Earn Income With Your Niche Blog

I’ve written tons of articles on how to earn income with a niche blog. You can browse them all here. I’ll briefly summarize how I earn income with my blogs.

AliExpress is one of the most widely used resources used by dropshippers across the globe. They have no registration fees or requirements to get started.

You can begin selling any product in their store immediately with no limit on your profit margins. They ship all over the world, have low pricing, and offer free shipping on a majority of products.

Whenever a product sells from your store, you pass along payment and shipping details to your dropshipping supplier. They will then ship the order directly to your customer.

Your profit is the difference in what you charged for the product and what the dropshipping supplier has charged you.

How to Open Your Own Dropshipping Store Quickly

The dropshipping software that I use and recommend is AliDropship. It is a WordPress dropshipping plugin that also works with WooCommerce.

This software automates all of the necessary features required to operate your dropshipping business.

You can import an unlimited number of products. It will auto-fulfill your orders and send tracking details to your customers.

It automatically updates pricing and inventory levels. Best of all, there are no ongoing monthly software fees to use it. You only pay a one-time fee of $89 and it includes lifelong updates and customer support.

What You Need to Understand About Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an ideal option for those that prefer to start an eCommerce business versus starting a blog.

One thing to keep in mind is that you will have to promote your store. Whether it is through free channels such as social media or by using paid ads (Facebook Ads, Google Shopping, etc.)

The benefit is that you can target your niche with paid advertising. There is a bit of a learning curve so be prepared for that.

Don’t Let Naysayers Dissuade You From Realizing Your Dreams

For every person that says something negative about starting an online business, whether it is a niche blog, dropshipping, or other business models, there is someone that is having tremendous success doing that exact thing.

If you want to start an online business in 2019, then do it! The only way to know if it will work is if you try. Imagine where your business can be a year from now?

When I started, I had a lot of frustrating moments. That comes with any business. Had I given up, I’d be kicking myself right now.

2019 is the year to realize your online success! I wish you much success in whatever online business model you choose!